Clambering over moss-clad stones and slogging down slippery embankments, we slowly meander onward, turbo spool and throaty exhaust notes the only noises to be heard over the clattering of limestone beneath our wheels. Somewhere toward the top of the summit, a red-tailed hawk shrieks a warning, as our lead vehicle winds its way northward over the ridge. It was a great day to go wheelin鈥?in a quarter-million dollar SUV, and by Zeus鈥?beard did it seem just as happy to be out in the wild as we were. For all intents and purposes, we might as well have been in the heart of Germany鈥檚 Black Forest, what with the amount of canopy coverage, mist, moss, and mountain around us. While the majority of the general public either gasped in disgust or applauded the sight of our oversize German loaner, close friends stood slack-jawed upon learning that yes, we would indeed be taking this quarter-million dollar SUV off-roading. Naturally, we ignored hater and disbeliever alike, testing the G550 4x4虏 as both a daily driver and as a mudslinging, Biturbo steamroller. Built to be about as badass and brutish as it gets, the last hoorah for the outgoing generation of the G-Wagen is an exercise in extremism and simplicity. Loaded with cabin opulence and reinforced with Unimog underpinnings, this demilitarized G-Wagen is arguably one of the most rewarding trucks money can buy -- assuming one has a whole heck of a lot of it.

A Sport Exhaust System (enhances performance, generates a more enthusiastic sound signature from four genuine side pipes, a throaty growl at higher revs), and substantial painted brake calipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering completed the package. 6,500 - with interesting names such as Platinum Magno (matte), Yellow Olive Magno (matte), Magnetite Black, Rubellite Red (deep wine), Mojave Silver Metallic, Diamond White Metallic, and Mystic Brown Metallic (dark chocolate). 400 each - Nut Brown/Black, Macchiato Beige/Black leather; Tartufo (gray)/Black Nappa, Saddle Brown/Black Nappa; designo Yacht Blue/Black Nappa, designo Classic Red/Black Nappa; designo Espresso Brown/Black Exclusive Nappa, and designo Macchiato Beige/Espresso Brown Exclusive Nappa. The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen has a completely revised interior for 2019. It鈥檚 shown here in the AMG G63 version for the U.S. There is seating for up to five people, plus ample cargo space. Heated rear seats, not part of the package, also switch down after several minutes, and have an automatic shut-off for peace of mind.

Inside, the G-Wagen has undergone a fundamental redesign, while maintaining the character of the exterior and combining off-road character with world-class luxury in a balanced partnership. Side air vents reflect the round headlights, and the audio speakers mimic the rectangular shape of the turn signals. Retained characteristics include the grab handle in front of the front passenger, chrome-highlighted switches for the differential locks, and the iconic analog clock. The multi-zone LED ambient lighting system offers 64 colors in a variety of motifs to create a soothing atmosphere in the cabin. Multiple programs allow two or five colors at once or slowly changing hues, glowing from beneath the dash trim, behind the in-dash screens, in the footwells and other areas with adjustable brightness. The three-zone climate control included a humidity sensor, dust/pollen filter, and activated charcoal filter. 850) with a full glass panel, offering three display styles - Classic, Sport, and Progressive - and personalization of information displayed.

A console touchpad/controller was conveniently placed, and advanced natural-language voice control was available for phone, audio, navigation, climate control, ambient lighting, and more. COMAND navigation included Live Traffic information and map updates for three years. Burmester, Germany鈥檚 high-end home audio, developed a system tailored for the G-Class featuring 590 watts and 15 high-quality speakers with beautifully detailed aluminum grilles. An SD card reader and dual USB connections are provided for personal music files (the USB ports also charge). Twelve-volt power ports are provided for both rows, with a 115-volt outlet in the cargo area. Bluetooth is standard, and SiriusXM All Access is available for a six-month trial. Standard driver assists include Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Distance Assist cruise control, and Traffic Sign Assist. Safety was also addressed with Attention Assist to monitor driving behavior and alert the driver visually and audibly if signs of drowsiness are detected. A Pre-Safe system detects a possible collision and tightens the front seatbelts, adjusts the front passenger seat and closes the windows and sunroof to protect occupants. At the same time, Pre-Safe Sound produces 鈥減ink noise鈥?to induce a natural reflex in the ear canal to shut out loud noises.